When temperatures climb across Arizona, finding a stretch of open water becomes essential for many residents and visitors. The state’s geography — from low desert basins to high forested plateaus — means a long swimming season and a wide variety of places to wade, float and dive. Whether you prefer a desert reservoir edged by saguaro and red rock or a pine‑lined high‑country lake, Arizona has options that let you escape the heat without traveling out of state.
Access and amenities vary widely. Some lakes have marked, designated swim areas; others are open to swimming but are primarily managed for boating, fishing or general recreation. Swimmers should not assume lifeguards are present and should be prepared for limited or distant rescue services in remote areas. It’s also worth noting that shoreline conditions can be rocky, there can be sudden drop‑offs and debris such as fishhooks may be present.
Boaters and swimmers gather on an Arizona lake, enjoying sunny weather and rugged canyon scenery.
Boaters and swimmers gather on an Arizona lake, enjoying sunny weather and rugged canyon scenery.
Water quality is not a persistent problem at the lakes listed here, but conditions can change rapidly. "E. coli has not been identified as a persistent issue at any of the lakes in our list below," said Alma Delia Suarez, deputy public information officer at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. She added, "However, it is important to know that water quality conditions in surface waters can quickly change, especially after rains, high recreation use or from nearby wildlife activity." If swimmers become ill after entering lake water — particularly with gastrointestinal symptoms — they should notify their county health department so the illness can be tracked and investigated. For concerns about water quality, reports can be submitted at azdeq.gov/AZWaterApp.
Before setting out, check the specific destination for admission fees, current advisories, closures and any fire restrictions that might affect access. Park and forest websites and phone numbers are listed for each location so visitors can confirm the latest information on conditions, facilities and services.
The following lakes are identified as places where swimming is allowed: Alamo Lake — about 150 miles northwest of central Phoenix off U.S. 60 and Salome Road. Phone: 928-669-2088. Website: azstateparks.com/alamo-lake/explore/maps. Apache Lake — on State Route 88 (the Apache Trail) about 16 miles east of Tortilla Flat. Phone: 602-225-5200. Website: fs.usda.gov (Tonto National Forest recreation pages). Bartlett Lake — about 20 miles east of Carefree via Cave Creek Road/Forest Road 24 and FR 19. Phone: 602-225-5200. Website: fs.usda.gov. Big Lake — located in the Apache‑Sitgreaves National Forests in eastern Arizona’s White Mountains; use Grayling Campground or Big Lake Recreation Area for GPS directions. Phone: 928-333-6280. Website: fs.usda.gov (Apache‑Sitgreaves NF recreation pages). Canyon Lake — about 51 miles east of Phoenix on SR 88 (the Apache Trail) near Tortilla Flat. Phone: 480-610-3300. Website: fs.usda.gov.
People jump from sandstone ledges into a clear canyon pool — a popular swim spot in Arizona’s red‑rock country.
People jump from sandstone ledges into a clear canyon pool — a popular swim spot in Arizona’s red‑rock country.
Other swim‑friendly sites include Fool Hollow Lake State Recreation Area, just outside Show Low. Phone: 928-537-3680. Website: azstateparks.com/fool-hollow/explore/maps. Granite Basin Lake, about 9 miles northwest of Prescott off Forest Road 374. Phone: 928-443-8000. Website: fs.usda.gov. Lake Havasu, with numerous access points including Lake Havasu State Park — Lake Havasu City sits roughly 193 miles northwest of Phoenix. Phone: 928-453-3444. Website: golakehavasu.com and azstateparks.com/lake-havasu. Lyman Lake State Park is 17 miles north of Springerville off U.S. 191/180. Phone: 928-337-4441. Website: azstateparks.com/lyman-lake.
Lynx Lake sits about 5 miles east of Prescott off SR 69. Phone: 928-443-8000. Website: fs.usda.gov/prescott. Lake Mead is part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area on the Nevada‑Arizona state line in western Arizona and is reachable via U.S. 93, about 272 miles from Phoenix. Phone: 702-293-8990. Website: nps.gov. Lake Powell is within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; Page — which provides marinas, hotels and services — is about 273 miles north of Phoenix on U.S. 89. Phone: 928-608-6200. Website: nps.gov/glca. Lake Pleasant Regional Park, managed by Maricopa County, is about 40 miles northwest of Phoenix via Interstate 17 and SR 74. Phone: 602-506-2930. Website: maricopacountyparks.net.
Southern and southeastern Arizona options include Patagonia Lake State Park, off SR 82 about 14 miles south of the town of Patagonia. Phone: 520-287-6965. Website: azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake/explore/park-history. Roosevelt Lake lies roughly 108 miles northeast of Phoenix via SR 87 and SR 188. Phone: 602-225-5395. Website: fs.usda.gov (Tonto National Forest recreation pages). Roper Lake State Park is off U.S. 191 about 5 miles south of Safford in eastern Arizona. Phone: 928-428-6760. Website: azstateparks.com/roper-lake. Saguaro Lake, reached from Phoenix by SR 87 and the Bush Highway, is about 41 miles east of the city. Phone: 602-225-5200. Website: fs.usda.gov.
A separate group of lakes permit swimming but are noted as places where swimming is not encouraged because they lack designated swim areas, are close to boat traffic and present hazards such as rocky shorelines, sudden drop‑offs and submerged debris. Debbie Roznovak, acting recreation program manager in the Apache‑Sitgreaves National Forests supervisor’s office, highlighted these factors when listing the sites: Bear Canyon Lake on the Mogollon Rim (reach via SR 260 to Forest Road 300, then FR 89). Phone: 928-535-7300. Website: fs.usda.gov (Apache‑Sitgreaves NF recreation pages). Black Canyon Lake is on the Mogollon Rim about 10 miles east of Forest Lakes Estates off SR 260 and FR 86. Phone: 928-333-6280. Website: fs.usda.gov.
Chevelon Canyon Lake is reachable from Forest Roads 300, 169 and 169B on the Mogollon Rim. Phone: 928-535-7300. Website: fs.usda.gov. Willow Springs Lake, also on the Mogollon Rim, lies off SR 260 and FR 148, about 2.5 miles east of FR 300. Phone: 928-333-6280. Website: fs.usda.gov. Woods Canyon Lake is another Mogollon Rim lake accessible from SR 260 by turning north on FR 300 and traveling about 3 miles. Phone: 928-333-6280. Website: fs.usda.gov.
Plan ahead, confirm conditions with the managing agency for your chosen lake and remember that the presence of a lake does not guarantee lifeguards, easy rescue or consistently safe water quality. Check park and forest websites or call the listed numbers for the latest information on facilities, fees and safety notices before you go.